SmartWay Transport

An idle reduction technology is defined as the installation of a technology or device that:

1. is affixed to a tractor;
2. is designed to provide services (such as heat, air conditioning, and/or electricity) to the vehicle or equipment that would otherwise require the operation of the main drive engine while the vehicle or equipment is temporarily parked or remains stationary; and
3. reduces unnecessary idling of such vehicle or equipment.

Over the past seven years, EPA and the Department of Energy have evaluated idle reduction technologies/devices as part of grants, cooperative agreements, emissions testing, engineering analyses, modeling, demonstration projects and external peer reviewed reports to study the effects of idling on air quality, fuel consumption and driver health.

Based on this evaluation and research, EPA has determined that a variety of idle reduction technologies save fuel and reduce emissions when compared to idling the main engine. Qualified devices were added to EPA’s list of verified idling control technologies.   In the future, additional technologies/devices that are similar in design, function and effect can be added to this list after EPA evaluates its capabilities to determine if the device may be accepted as a verified technology.

Motor carriers must ensure that all devices installed on Commercial Motor Vehicles conform to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, 49 CFR 393, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation. Those regulations of particular concern to users of auxiliary power units are contained in Section 393.28, Section 393.30, and SubPart E of Part 393.  These requirements dictate the specifications of installation of wiring and fuel systems for this equipment.

Manufacturers should contact Anthony Erb at erb.anthony@epa.gov or 202-343-9259 for more information.

The devices listed on the exempted technology list save fuel and reduce emissions when compared to idling the main engine.

 

NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader is available as a free download. See EPA's PDF page to learn more about PDF, and for a link to the free Acrobat Reader.